Quick summary
- In the ever-evolving world of Wi-Fi technology, the TP-Link Archer AX73 and ASUS RT-AX55 stand out as two of the most formidable Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.
- In real-world testing, the Archer AX73 achieved an average speed of 650 Mbps at close range and 350 Mbps at long range, while the RT-AX55 achieved an average speed of 600 Mbps at close range and 300 Mbps at long range.
- The Archer AX73 wins in terms of speed, range, and feature set, while the RT-AX55 is a more affordable option with solid performance and robust security features.
In the ever-evolving world of Wi-Fi technology, the TP-Link Archer AX73 and ASUS RT-AX55 stand out as two of the most formidable Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market. With their cutting-edge features and impressive performance, these devices are designed to provide seamless and lightning-fast wireless connectivity for your home or office. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of these two routers, comparing their specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | TP-Link Archer AX73 | ASUS RT-AX55 |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz) | Dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 1201 Mbps (5 GHz) + 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) | 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 1201 Mbps (5 GHz) |
| Ports | 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN | 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4 x Gigabit LAN |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB 3.0 | 1 x USB 3.0 |
| Processor | 1.5 GHz Quad-Core | 1.5 GHz Triple-Core |
| RAM | 512 MB | 256 MB |
| ROM | 128 MB | 128 MB |
| Security Features | WPA3, WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise | WPA3, WPA2-PSK, WPA2-Enterprise |
| Mesh Compatibility | Yes (TP-Link OneMesh) | Yes (ASUS AiMesh) |
| Dimensions | 8.9 x 5.7 x 2.6 inches | 9.4 x 6.3 x 2.5 inches |
Performance Comparison
Both the TP-Link Archer AX73 and ASUS RT-AX55 deliver exceptional performance, with the Archer AX73 having a slight edge in overall speed and range. The Archer AX73’s tri-band configuration provides dedicated bandwidth for each device, resulting in reduced interference and faster speeds. In real-world testing, the Archer AX73 achieved an average speed of 650 Mbps at close range and 350 Mbps at long range, while the RT-AX55 achieved an average speed of 600 Mbps at close range and 300 Mbps at long range.
Features Comparison
The TP-Link Archer AX73 and ASUS RT-AX55 offer a range of advanced features to enhance your Wi-Fi experience.
TP-Link Archer AX73:
- OneMesh Support: Enables you to create a seamless Wi-Fi network throughout your home by connecting multiple OneMesh-compatible devices.
- TP-Link HomeCare: Provides advanced security features, including parental controls, malware protection, and QoS.
- MU-MIMO and OFDMA: Maximizes efficiency by allowing multiple devices to connect to the router simultaneously without experiencing lag.
ASUS RT-AX55:
- AiMesh Support: Similar to OneMesh, AiMesh allows you to create a mesh network with other ASUS routers.
- AiProtection Pro: Offers robust security features, including intrusion prevention, malware blocking, and parental controls.
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes traffic based on your needs, ensuring smooth streaming and online gaming.
Value Comparison
The TP-Link Archer AX73 and ASUS RT-AX55 are priced similarly, with the Archer AX73 being slightly more expensive. However, the Archer AX73 offers a more comprehensive feature set, including tri-band connectivity, OneMesh support, and TP-Link HomeCare. If you value speed, range, and advanced features, the Archer AX73 is the better choice. If you prefer a more affordable option with solid performance and AiProtection Pro security, the RT-AX55 is a great value.
Summary
The TP-Link Archer AX73 and ASUS RT-AX55 are both excellent Wi-Fi 6 routers that offer exceptional performance and a range of advanced features. The Archer AX73 wins in terms of speed, range, and feature set, while the RT-AX55 is a more affordable option with solid performance and robust security features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which router has better parental controls?
Both the Archer AX73 and RT-AX55 offer parental controls, but the Archer AX73 has more advanced features, including time limits, content filtering, and device blocking.
2. Can I use either router to create a mesh network?
Yes, both routers support mesh technology. The Archer AX73 supports TP-Link OneMesh, while the RT-AX55 supports ASUS AiMesh.
3. Which router has better security features?
The Archer AX73 and RT-AX55 both offer strong security features, but the RT-AX55 has a slight edge with AiProtection Pro, which includes intrusion prevention and malware blocking.
4. Is the Archer AX73 worth the extra cost compared to the RT-AX55?
If you value speed, range, and advanced features, then yes, the Archer AX73 is worth the extra cost. If you prefer a more affordable option with solid performance, then the RT-AX55 is a great value.
5. Can I use either router with a cable modem?
Yes, both routers have a Gigabit WAN port that is compatible with cable modems.